RJ failed, Etzel's analysis is sharp, and I'm gonna abandon the Asmo question forever - Edit 1
Before modification by newyorkersedai at 28/05/2010 09:25:25 PM
Because when we have to go through stuff like this, it's Lost-level speculation. I liked the show, and even posted my opinions on certain episodes or a few theories, but...
I'd never expect to type the words in the following clause: RJ did an uncontrovertibly bad writing job once [see below], and the result has been a mystery that's engendered obsessive levels of contemplation. This shouldn't be interpreted as me saying that Etzel or anyone else *is* obsessive; just that the attention needed, especially considered in total, is obsessive.
Nor do I think I am superior in this regard. Although I haven't really tried a grand-Asmo theory, I have frequently pondered the killer's identity, and I've read many of the ideas posted on this topic. So it's eaten up a bit of my time too.
I say that RJ failed (not lightly) because RJ never intended to create a mystery. The fact that he felt it only required a little thought - yet it doesn't and has created a giant uncertainty in the minds of so many(!) - is all the proof that's needed to use the word "fail" comfortably (if unwillingly). A writer communicates ideas; communicating them well mixes with how clear or opaque a writer wishes to be in a particular instance. RJ intended this to be fairly transparent, and instead it's a great big nebulous brick wall. This question is like a black hole where you can barely know anything about it. So I guess RJ messed up, because it's never seemed irreducibly certain. I congratulate the person who got it right, but even they had to actually ask RJ to confirm their idea. So it wasn't even certain then. I sincerely hope I'm not suffering from selfishness or jealousy masquerading as reason.
For me, at least, thinking about this requires too much brain power that I should put elsewhere.
And I deeply hope that RJ and Sanderson give us an answer on the first or second page of ToM - even better if it's in the Prologue, so everyone gets the answer when the advance prologue is available on Amazon or B&N or Borders online. That way we can put aside all the ridiculousness around this topic and just enjoy the whole book a month later with this issue off our collective minds (those of us who spent serious time on this). It's getting to the point where I could envy the casual readers, and envy isn't a natural emotion for me.
I'd never expect to type the words in the following clause: RJ did an uncontrovertibly bad writing job once [see below], and the result has been a mystery that's engendered obsessive levels of contemplation. This shouldn't be interpreted as me saying that Etzel or anyone else *is* obsessive; just that the attention needed, especially considered in total, is obsessive.
Nor do I think I am superior in this regard. Although I haven't really tried a grand-Asmo theory, I have frequently pondered the killer's identity, and I've read many of the ideas posted on this topic. So it's eaten up a bit of my time too.
I say that RJ failed (not lightly) because RJ never intended to create a mystery. The fact that he felt it only required a little thought - yet it doesn't and has created a giant uncertainty in the minds of so many(!) - is all the proof that's needed to use the word "fail" comfortably (if unwillingly). A writer communicates ideas; communicating them well mixes with how clear or opaque a writer wishes to be in a particular instance. RJ intended this to be fairly transparent, and instead it's a great big nebulous brick wall. This question is like a black hole where you can barely know anything about it. So I guess RJ messed up, because it's never seemed irreducibly certain. I congratulate the person who got it right, but even they had to actually ask RJ to confirm their idea. So it wasn't even certain then. I sincerely hope I'm not suffering from selfishness or jealousy masquerading as reason.
For me, at least, thinking about this requires too much brain power that I should put elsewhere.
And I deeply hope that RJ and Sanderson give us an answer on the first or second page of ToM - even better if it's in the Prologue, so everyone gets the answer when the advance prologue is available on Amazon or B&N or Borders online. That way we can put aside all the ridiculousness around this topic and just enjoy the whole book a month later with this issue off our collective minds (those of us who spent serious time on this). It's getting to the point where I could envy the casual readers, and envy isn't a natural emotion for me.